ADHD Medication & Treatment

Jornay PM

Jornay PM (generic name: methylphenidate hydrochloride) is the first extended release ADHD stimulant medication taken in the evening and designed to control ADHD symptoms from daybreak to bedtime.

By Lilly Constance Medically reviewed by ADDitude’s ADHD Medical Review Panel

What Is the ADHD Medication Jornay PM?

Jornay PM, a methylphenidate stimulant medication used to treat ADHD symptoms in patients age 6 and older, recently won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it fills a significant consumer need: management of ADHD symptoms first thing in the morning and then throughout the day.

The Jornay PM delayed release as well as extended release formulation and delivery system is unique. The medication is taken at night; its outer layer delays the release of medication for 10 to 12 hours, so the patient wakes up the next morning with a full therapeutic blood level of methylphenidate. This opens the door to greater organization, efficiency, focus, and emotional control early in the morning when getting up and ready for school or work. Subsequently, the extended release formulation releases medication in steady amounts throughout the day.

How Does the ADHD Medication Jornay PM Work?

Jornay PM (generic name: methylphenidate hydrochloride) is an extended release ADHD stimulant medication intended for children 6 years of age and older that can also be taken by adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). Jornay capsules are filled with microbeads, each of which has a delayed release and extended release layer. This technology keeps the medication from activating for 10 to 12 hours — meaning the effects are felt when a child wakes up — and then releases medication into the body in steady amounts throughout the day.

Studies suggest that Jornay PM significantly improves early morning behavior, plus attention and behavior in the classroom.

Jornay PM contains the same active ingredient as medications such as Ritalin and Daytrana. According to the FDA, Jornay PM is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. It has not been studied in children under the age of 6.

How Is Jornay PM Used to Treat ADHD Symptoms?

The effects of Jornay PM are first felt up to 12 hours after ingestion, so the drug manufacturer (Ironshore Pharmaceuticals) recommends taking it between 6:30 and 9:30 pm, under supervision from a physician. The pills should be taken at the same time every evening and can be taken with or without food but should be done so consistently.

Capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto applesauce or a similar food for children who have difficulty swallowing pills. The food and medicine mixture should be ingested completely right away and should not be chewed.

Before starting or refilling a Jornay PM prescription, read the medication guide included with your pills, as it may be updated with new information.

This guide should not replace a conversation with your doctor, who has a holistic view of your or your child’s medical history, other diagnoses, and other prescriptions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

What Dosage of Jornay PM is Used to Treat ADHD Symptoms?

As with all medications, follow your Jornay PM prescription instructions exactly.

Jornay PM is a capsule available in five doses: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg — a doctor can help determine the best dose and time to take Jornay PM. Doses may be titrated weekly in increments of 20 mg. The optimal dosage varies patient by patient. It is not determined by age, weight, or height, but rather by how a person metabolizes the medication, and the condition treated. Your doctor may adjust your daily dosage until you or your child experiences the best response — that is, the lowest dosage at which you experience the greatest improvement in symptoms without side effects.

If a dose is missed, Jornay PM should be taken as soon as it’s remembered in the evening. If it’s not remembered until the next day, skip the dose and wait until that evening. Jornay PM should not be taken in the morning.

What Side Effects Are Associated with Jornay PM?

Taking methylphenidate medications such as Jornay PM poses potential serious side effects such as new or worse behavior and thought problems, new or worse bipolar symptoms, and new manic or psychotic symptoms. Children ages 6 to 12 with ADHD may experience the following side effects: trouble sleeping, nausea, decreased appetite, mood swings, restlessness, vomiting, headache, slowed growth.

What Precautions Are Associated with Jornay PM?

Store Jornay PM in a secure place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature. Do not share your Jornay PM prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD. Sharing prescription medication is illegal, and can cause harm.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Jornay PM, as it will cause a more rapid release of the medication into the bloodstream. Children who are allergic to methylphenidate hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in Jornay PM, or are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) should not take Jornay PM.

Methylphenidate products and other stimulant medications have been known to cause heart-related problems, so a physician should be called right at the onset of any heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, new or worsening mental or new manic symptoms. Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes are another reason to call a doctor. Jornay PM can cause elevations in blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, if a child has numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes, a physician should be contacted.

CNS stimulants, like Jornay PM, have a high potential for dependence and abuse, so signs of those tendencies should be monitored for while the medication is being taken.

Jornay PM is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to methylphenidates.

If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Jornay PM with your doctor. The safety of Jornay PM for children under age 6 has not been established.

What Interactions Are Associated with Jornay PM?

Jornay PM should not be taken concomitantly with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAO inhibitors and CNS stimulants can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.

Tell your doctor if you are taking seizure medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or any medication containing a decongestant.

Share a list of all vitamin or herbal supplements, and prescription and non-prescription medications you take with the pharmacist when you fill your prescription, and let all doctors and physicians know you are taking Jornay PM before having any surgery or laboratory tests. The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions.